More than six years ago, Nikki was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Her diagnosis was a shock to her entire family, including her father, Chris, who also was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 23.

“When Nikki was diagnosed, I was devastated,” Chris says. “It never occurred to me that she would get diabetes. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with ... the day Nikki was diagnosed we panicked, rushing to a local hospital. After a couple of days in the hospital, someone recommended that Nikki visit with Amy Criego, MD, Pediatric Endocrinologist at Park Nicollet.”

“I like Dr. Criego a lot,” Chris says. “I can ask her anything and she gives me solid, real-life answers. Park Nicollet combines top-notch care and research with a personal touch."

"Now, Nikki is becoming more comfortable discussing her diabetes, it has become part of her life," Chris says. "It's never easy, but she has learned to adapt. She is amazing! Both of us use the same care regimen and use the same type of insulin pump. We count carbs together at meals, discuss portions and calculate our insulin requirements. We lean on each other. There are many days I'm frustrated with having diabetes, all I have to do is look at Nikki and it gives me motivation to be strong for both of us.”

“Even with my diabetes, I stay active," Nikki says. "It doesn't keep me from my love of acting or drama. Due to the pump, I can’t do some things other kids take for granted, like wear skinny dresses. However, I still play softball and tennis. Having Dr. Criego as my doctor has been great; she helps me manage my diabetes and cares about me as a person.”